Earth loop without neutral

[Delboy247]

Is it possible to do earth loop test with live and earth only, I have a fluke 1652 I know you can do it with a megger might be a silly question we see if it is cheers

 

[swparksey]

Do you mean Ze Test?

If so yes, Place the probes into L and N on the meter select Zi on the dial.
Then Press F1 the display shows L P N change this to L N (top left)
Hey presto 2 lead earth loop test.

You can do the same for Zs but if your circuit is on an RCD it will cause the RCD to trip

Hope this helps.

 

[Delboy247]

That's the problem kept on tripping rcd there's no way of doing zs at switch to verify a good earth?? Cheers anyway

 

[oldtimer]

That's the problem kept on tripping rcd there's no way of doing zs at switch to verify a good earth?? Cheers anyway

That is because you need to use the no trip function and that you would test it at the light and also you can test the earth at the switch via the long lead method

 

[swparksey]

That's the problem kept on tripping rcd there's no way of doing zs at switch to verify a good earth?? Cheers anyway

No not if the circuit you are testing is RCD protected, for "No trip" on the Fluke to work you must have 3 leads connected.
Zs should be taken at the furthest point anyway so 3 leads at the light is not a problem.
To test for a good earth as you say at a light switch do this with your continuity test, R1+R2 at the switch this will verify the CPC, so you have no need to do Zs at a light switch.

 

[oldtimer]

Guys just to highlight you can test for a good earth at the light but the switch can be done seperatly as I got caught out one time when I put my long lead on to a switch box as I was passing and found no earth traced problem back to joint box.

 

[Jimmy Boy]

I know many disagree on this point and I respect their view as experienced electricians, but to reiterate a point made by the NIC and Electricity at work Regs Live work should only be undertaken if no other options, if you have R1+R2 for a radial and Ze at board it is acceptable to calculate Zs, for plug in circuits test as normal but as always glad to be educated by more experienced sparks if this is not the case

 

[swparksey]

Guys just to highlight you can test for a good earth at the light but the switch can be done seperatly as I got caught out one time when I put my long lead on to a switch box as I was passing and found no earth traced problem back to joint box.

You should be checking the earth at the switch as well , but again this can be done while doing R1 R2, just meter between the line and CPC in the fitting (a dead test).
Every Point of the circuit should be checked really.

 

[Delboy247]

Iv come up with another dilemma what's the best test to do for 3 core swa 3 phase with no neutral I can't do the earth loop (zs) without a neutral a bit stuck cheers.

 

[jam2020]

how many of you out there measure zs at lights etc and how many do zs=ze+r1+r2?

 

[Sintra]

I always test Zs due to the fact that it is the only test that actually tests the complete circuit including MCB's, RCD's, Main switches etc which have been known to have high resistances.

Calculating from R1 + R2 and Ze can not detect this problem.

 

[jam2020]

Ok but say it came up on your first nic assessment. What would you do then?

 

[Sintra]

Same as i do on every NICEIC assesment every year and test the Zs.

 

[Jimmy Boy]

Is anyone using these ?

Lightmate Kit - Kewtech Lightmate Kit - Test Lights Faster with Light Mate Testing Adaptor - 17th Edition Test Equipment - 17th Edition Accessories - Kewtech Lightmate Kit - All 5 Lightmates

 

[jam2020]

what about ewr? do they not get stroppy?